Last updated 2026-08-18
TL;DR
California requires a Custom Livestock Slaughterer license from CDFA for custom exempt slaughter. The fee is $200 per year. Processing takes 30-60 days after your facility passes inspection. You must comply with state sanitation and construction standards. The license is not federal inspection and does not allow you to sell meat; it only covers slaughter for the owner's own consumption.
Do you need a license for custom exempt slaughter in California?
Yes. California law requires anyone who slaughters livestock for the owner’s personal use to hold a Custom Livestock Slaughterer license from the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA). The exact statute is California Food and Agricultural Code §19010, which states: “No person shall engage in the business of custom livestock slaughterer without a license from the director.” [1]
This applies even if you never sell the meat. Federal law exempts custom exempt slaughter from continuous USDA inspection, but California adds its own licensing layer. If you plan to slaughter cattle, sheep, swine, or goats for an owner who will consume the meat themselves, you need this license. Poultry is treated separately under California law, and a different set of rules applies. [2]
What is custom exempt slaughter in California?
Custom exempt slaughter is a federal term defined in 9 CFR 303.1. It means you slaughter an animal for the exclusive use of the owner, their family, and nonpaying guests. The meat cannot be sold or donated. Every package must be labeled “Not for Sale.” [3]
California uses the same definition. The state license is not a federal inspection. It simply gives you permission to operate a slaughter facility that handles animals for personal consumption. If you want to sell meat, you need a USDA-inspected plant or a California state-inspected plant. That’s a different license and a much higher bar.
California’s Custom Livestock Slaughterer license: the basics
The CDFA Meat and Poultry Inspection Branch issues the license. It’s an annual license that costs $200 per year as of 2023. [4] You apply using form MPI-79, available on the CDFA website. [5] The license covers the business, not the individual, and it’s tied to a specific facility or mobile unit. You cannot use it to slaughter at multiple unapproved locations.
Before CDFA issues the license, an inspector will visit your facility to verify it meets state sanitation and construction standards. Those standards are in California Code of Regulations Title 3, Sections 900 through 938. [6] The inspection is included in the license fee, but if you fail and need a re-inspection, you’ll pay an additional $100. [4]
How much does a custom exempt slaughter license cost in California?
The license fee is $200 per year. There is no separate application fee. If your facility fails the initial inspection and needs a second visit, the re-inspection fee is $100. [4] You also need to cover the cost of building or upgrading your facility to meet CDFA standards. That’s not part of the license fee, but it’s a real cost you have to plan for.
A small slaughterhouse can cost anywhere from $50,000 to $500,000 to build, depending on equipment and scale. [7] You’ll likely need to install a kill floor, coolers, a wastewater system, and a processing area. Local building permits and water board fees add more. The table below breaks down the direct CDFA fees.
| Fee type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Custom Livestock Slaughterer license (annual) | $200 |
| Re-inspection fee (if needed) | $100 |
Other costs: facility, equipment, and compliance
The license fee is the cheap part. The real money goes into the facility. USDA Rural Development’s guide for small meat processing plants estimates startup costs between $50,000 and $500,000, with most small on-farm plants falling in the $100,000 to $250,000 range. [7] You’ll need a concrete floor with drains, a kill area, a hide or skin removal area, a cooler that holds carcasses at 40°F or below, and a handwash sink with hot water.
California also requires a wastewater disposal system approved by your local environmental health department. [8] You’ll need a water test showing potable water. If you’re on a well, you’ll have to test it annually. If you’re starting from scratch, expect to spend 6 to 12 months on construction before you can even schedule the CDFA inspection. [5] For a broader look at the whole process, see how to start custom exempt slaughter in California.
How long does it take to get licensed in California?
The CDFA says to allow 30 to 60 days for processing after you submit the application and the facility passes inspection. [9] But the clock doesn’t start until your facility is ready. If you’re building a new plant, that can take 6 to 12 months. So the full timeline from empty lot to license in hand is often 9 to 15 months.
You can shorten it by buying an existing, licensed facility, but those are rare in California. The CDFA inspector will schedule a visit once you submit the application and confirm the facility is built. They won’t come out to look at a half-finished building. You need everything in place, including the cooler and wastewater system, before they’ll inspect. [6]
What paperwork and inspections are required?
You have to fill out form MPI-79, the Application for Custom Livestock Slaughterer License. [5] You’ll need to submit a floor plan of your facility, a site plan showing the location, a water test result, and a description of your wastewater disposal system. You also need to show you have a written sanitation plan, a pest control program, and a recordkeeping system for tracking each animal and owner.
The law requires that “Each custom livestock slaughterer shall keep such records as the director may require.” [10] In practice, that means you need to log the date of slaughter, the owner’s name and address, the species, and the live weight. The CDFA inspector will check all of this during the initial inspection. They’ll look at the physical plant, the equipment, and your paperwork. If everything passes, they’ll recommend the license be issued.
Where to apply and who to contact
You apply through the CDFA Meat and Poultry Inspection Branch. The main office is in Sacramento. You can download the MPI-79 form from the CDFA website at cdfa.ca.gov/ahfss/mpi. [5] The mailing address is on the form. You can call the branch at (916) 900-5004 if you have questions. They’re generally helpful, but they won’t design your facility for you.
You’ll want to have your plans reviewed by someone familiar with the regulations before you submit. The CDFA website has a list of the current regulations. [6] If you’re working with a mobile unit, you’ll need to tell them where you’ll be operating and where the unit is stored.
Keeping your license: renewal and ongoing requirements
The license is valid for one year. You’ll get a renewal notice about 60 days before it expires. You have to submit the renewal form and pay the $200 fee. If you miss the renewal deadline, your license lapses and you have to stop slaughtering immediately. CDFA can also inspect your facility at any time during the year, unannounced. They typically do one routine inspection per year, but they can come more often if there are complaints. [6]
You must keep your records up to date and available for inspection. If you change your facility layout or equipment, you need to notify CDFA. They may require a new inspection.
Common mistakes and how to avoid them
The biggest mistake is starting construction before talking to CDFA. You can build a facility that looks right but fails inspection because of a missing drain slope or wrong cooler dimensions. Get your plans reviewed first. Another mistake is underestimating the wastewater requirement. In California, the water board is strict. If you’re on a septic system, you’ll need to prove it can handle slaughter wastewater. That often means a separate holding tank and a grease trap. [8]
A third mistake is confusing custom exempt with retail. If you sell even one package of meat, you’ve broken the law. The meat must stay with the owner. If you need help with the paperwork, our $249 USDA Custom-Exempt Kit at CustomExemptPath includes templates for the recordkeeping logs, sanitation plan, and a checklist for the CDFA inspection. It’s not legal advice, but it’s the same paperwork that hundreds of small operators use.
How CustomExemptPath can help you get licensed
The kit walks you through the entire process, from choosing a site to passing the final inspection. It includes editable templates for the records you have to keep, the sanitation plan, and a step-by-step guide to the CDFA application. You can get the kit at /start. It’s a one-time $249 purchase, and it’s updated whenever California changes its rules. We keep it current.
What about mobile slaughter units?
California treats mobile slaughter units the same as fixed facilities for licensing. You still need a Custom Livestock Slaughterer license, and the unit must be inspected. You’ll need to provide a commissary address where the unit is cleaned and stored. The sanitation standards are similar, but the unit must be self-contained with its own water tank and wastewater holding tank. [6]
Mobile units can be a good option if you’re serving multiple ranches. They cost less than a fixed plant, typically $50,000 to $150,000 for the unit itself. [7] You’ll still need a base of operations with a water hookup and a waste dump station.
How this compares to other states
Every state handles custom exempt slaughter a little differently. California is one of the stricter states, requiring a license even for on-farm slaughter for the owner. Some states like Alabama have a simpler registration process. Alabama custom exempt license. Alaska has its own rules, and the fee is different. Alaska license. Arizona doesn’t require a state license for custom exempt at all, but you still have to meet federal rules. Arizona license. Colorado also has a license, but the fee is lower. Colorado license. If you’re considering a multi-state operation, you’ll need to check each state’s requirements. The federal definition is the same, but the paperwork and fees vary. For a broader look at starting in Alabama, see how to start custom exempt slaughter in Alabama.
Frequently asked questions
Do you need a license for custom exempt slaughter in California?
Yes. California requires a Custom Livestock Slaughterer license from CDFA. You cannot slaughter livestock for another person’s personal consumption without it. The license is separate from any federal inspection and is mandatory even if you’re only doing a few animals a year. The fee is $200 per year. [1][4]
How much does custom exempt slaughter cost in California?
The license itself costs $200 per year. But the real cost is the facility. A small plant can cost $50,000 to $500,000 to build. You also need to pay for equipment, water, and waste disposal. The license fee is just the state’s cut. [4][7]
How long does custom exempt slaughter take in California?
The license processing takes 30 to 60 days after your facility passes inspection. But building the facility can take 6 to 12 months. So plan on 9 to 15 months from start to finish. [5][9]
Can I slaughter poultry under a custom exempt license in California?
No, the Custom Livestock Slaughterer license covers only livestock: cattle, sheep, swine, and goats. Poultry slaughter is regulated separately under the Poultry Products Inspection Act, and small-scale poultry slaughter may be exempt from certain requirements but still needs to comply with state rules. Check with CDFA. [2]
What is the difference between custom exempt and USDA inspection?
Custom exempt means you slaughter for the animal’s owner only, not for sale. The meat is not inspected by a USDA inspector. USDA inspection is required if you sell meat to the public. Your facility must meet different standards if you want a USDA grant of inspection. The custom exempt license is much simpler and cheaper. [3]
Can I sell meat from a custom exempt slaughter?
No. The meat is for the owner’s personal consumption only. Selling it is illegal and can result in fines and license revocation. Even bartering or donating it to a food bank is not allowed without a retail license. The packages must be labeled “Not for Sale.” [3]
Do I need a separate license for mobile slaughter in California?
No, you use the same Custom Livestock Slaughterer license. But you must list the mobile unit as your facility and have it inspected. You’ll need a commissary for cleaning and a plan for waste disposal. The fee is the same $200. [6]
Can I build a custom exempt slaughterhouse on my farm?
Yes, if your farm is zoned for agricultural use and you meet CDFA and local building codes. You’ll need to provide a site plan and get approval from the county for water and waste systems. The CDFA inspection is separate from county permits. [8]
What are the sanitation requirements for a custom exempt plant in California?
The facility must have smooth, washable surfaces, a potable water supply, hot water for handwashing, a separate area for hide removal, and a cooler that holds at 40°F or below. You need a written sanitation plan and a pest control program. The exact requirements are in Title 3, Sections 900 to 938. [6]
How do I label meat from custom exempt slaughter?
Each package must be labeled with “Not for Sale” and the owner’s name. You don’t need a nutrition label or a USDA mark of inspection. The label must be clear and legible. You can use a simple stamp or sticker. [3]
Is there a limit on how many animals I can slaughter under a custom exempt license?
No, California law doesn’t set a numerical limit. As long as you only slaughter for the owner’s personal use, you can process as many animals as your facility can handle. But if you process a high volume, CDFA may ask questions about potential resale. [1]
What records do I need to keep for custom exempt slaughter?
You need a log that shows the date of slaughter, owner’s name and address, species, and live weight. You must keep these records for at least one year and make them available during CDFA inspections. The law requires you to keep “such records as the director may require.” [10]
Sources
- California Food and Agricultural Code § 19010: License requirement for custom livestock slaughterers.
- CDFA Meat and Poultry Inspection Branch, Poultry: Poultry slaughter is regulated separately from livestock.
- 9 CFR § 303.1: Federal definition of custom exempt and “Not for Sale” labeling requirement.
- CDFA Fee Schedule for Meat and Poultry Licensing: License fee $200, re-inspection fee $100.
- CDFA Application Form MPI-79 (Custom Livestock Slaughterer License): Application form MPI-79 and required documentation.
- California Code of Regulations, Title 3, Sections 900 to 938: Sanitation and construction standards for custom slaughter facilities.
- USDA Rural Development Small Meat Processing Guide: Startup cost range $50,000, $500,000 for a small processing plant.
- CDFA Meat and Poultry Inspection Branch Licensing page: Processing time of 30 to 60 days after facility inspection.
- California Food and Agricultural Code § 19017: Recordkeeping requirement for custom livestock slaughterers.